Love Language against Hate Speech (A17-EN)

Transforming violent messages and hate speech posts to messages of support and empowerment.

empowerment, emotions, prevention of violence

• recognize messages, which include hate speech or promote violence;
• learn how to use more positive expressions and transform the building structure from negative to positive;
• gain experience of how language can affect our emotions;
• use the web, creative inspiration and design programs to work on activities, which could transform learners and other people`s beliefs associated with vulnerable groups (e.g. migrants, refugees, gays, disabled, etc).

youth counsellors, teachers, NGOs working with migrants and refugees, journalists, activists

Part 1:  Creating videos with slogans, songs, and  text which will transform angry hate speech and violent ideas into a positive message

Step 1: Learners watch one of the videos of »hate messages« that were published on Youtube. They mark parts, where hate speech and violence are included.

Step 2: They use a creative board to make a new draft and replace the violent parts and hate speech with humour or positive affirmations. 

They need to follow 4 guidelines: 1) new message needs to be positive, 2) messages need to promote interest for diversity  3) messages should arouse feelings of happiness and the need to integrate 4) facilitator and members of the other group give feedback to all drafts that groups could insert further implementation.

 Part 2:

1. a) The first group creates a blog, where people can write about good experiences, they have with Muslims, immigrants, gays, etc.
2. b) Second group design flyers with slogans that use »love language« and sends it to all important institutions and legal bodies in the city.
3. c) The third group organises a multicultural event.
4. d) The fourth group takes care of promotion activities and coordinations/technical support.

flipchart, pens

creative boards, cooperation, teamwork, creative expression, and design

The facilitator directs the group at work; he/she motivates and encourages the group in creative expression. At completion, promotes planning and implementation plan.

Bercko-Eisenreich, S. (2011).  Rehabilitation Workbook II (script). Velenje: Integra institute.

Integra Institute